Uniting higher education, governments, industry and society for a sustainable future
30 May – 1 June 2023
Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
Universities at a time of global crisis
THE’s Global Sustainable Development Congress, hosted at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), brings together 1,500+ world leaders, influencers and changemakers to tackle the big issues around the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Featuring over 200 speakers from business, government, civil society and higher education, the congress highlights the power of research, innovation and collaboration in converting the goals into action to drive sustainable change.
Underpinned by the principles of “leaving no one behind”, the agenda aligns with the societal transformations needed to achieve the SDGs, focusing on health, energy, the environment and communities.
Be inspired by powerful case studies and gain actionable insights through thought-provoking panels and collaborative workshops. Forge bold new alliances in our bespoke networking events and discover what is needed to scale-up solutions for real impact.
Join us as we convene to discuss urgent solutions to the global sustainability crisis.
Forge strategic partnerships and learn more about how THE’s data, insights and expert consultants can help you deliver on the SDGs. THE’s data experts will demonstrate how our products can be used to enhance your own sustainability initiatives through 1:1 demos and consultancy sessions.
The congress also features the live reveal of the THE Impact Rankings 2023. Attend engagement workshops and data masterclasses to discover how you can improve your university’s ranking against specific SDGs. Explore the THE Impact Rankings 2022 to see who is leading the fight for sustainable change in higher education.
Agenda outline
Pre-congress day: 29 May
A series of workshops, roundtables, debates and masterclasses hosted by fringe partners and associations from around the world.
08:00–10:00 / Check-in
10:00–13:30 / Fringe events
13:30–14:30 / Networking lunch
14:30–17:15 / Fringe events
Day 1: 30 May
Throughout the day there will be THE Sustainability Labs, THE Impact Rankings workshops, masterclasses, consultancy sessions, exhibitions and showcases
08:00–08:30 / Check-in
08:30–09:30 / Sustainability workshops
09:30–11:00 / Keynotes
11:00–11:30 / Networking refreshments
11:30–12:00 / Keynotes
12:00–13:30 / Networking lunch
13:30–15:00 / Panel discussions
15:00–15:30 / Networking refreshments
15:30–17:00 / Panel discussions
17:00–18:30 / Networking reception
Day 2: 31 May
Throughout the day there will be THE Sustainability Labs, THE Impact Rankings workshops, masterclasses, consultancy sessions, exhibitions and showcases
08:00–08:30 / Check-in
08:30–09:30 / Masterclasses
09:30–10:15 / Keynote
10:30–12:00 / Panel discussions
12:00–13:30 / Networking lunch
13:30–15:00 / Panel discussions
15:00–15:30 / Networking refreshments
15:30–17:00 / Panel discussions
17:00–18:30 / Networking reception
Day 3: 1 June
Throughout the day there will be THE Sustainability Labs
08:00–09:15 / Check-in
09:15–11:00 / Workshops
11:00–11:30 / Networking refreshments
11:00–11:30 / THE Impact Rankings 2023 launch
12:30–13:00 / Keynote
13:00–13:15 / Closing ceremony
13:15–15:00 / Networking lunch and campus tours
Agenda themes
Sustainable health and demography
Healthy and productive communities that build and support sustainable ecosystems require inclusive approaches to community and healthcare structures. Faced with global pandemics, volatile geopolitical landscapes and disruptive powers of technology, many public health ecosystems and networks are inefficient, inadequate and unequal.
Sessions in this track examine what higher education, with the help of business and broader society, can do to support governments in the fundamental transformations required.
Sustainable energy and industry
Ensuring a sustainable future requires secure universal access to modern energy sources, rapid decarbonisation of the global energy system and the continued reduction of industrial pollution of soil, water and air. To achieve this, we need close collaboration and global thinking that uses the latest technologies and innovations and enables them to be equitably distributed at a large scale.
Sessions in this track explore the role higher education plays in driving research and innovation, and what businesses, governments and society can do to step up and change global consumption habits to speed up this transformation.
Sustainable environment
Our fragile and precious natural ecosystems and resources are under constant threat of degradation by the forces of overpopulation and urbanisation. Solutions are urgently needed that help to sustain what we have left, whilst rebuilding and replenishing the vital resources that have been mostly lost.
Sessions in this track explore how higher education through cutting-edge research and innovation, is driving these solutions and ask what can be done with the help of business and government to ensure a sustainable environment and improve biodiversity.
Sustainable cities and communities
Cities and urban areas are home to about 55 per cent of humanity and 70 per cent of global economic output. By 2050, these are forecast to increase to 70 and 85 per cent, respectively. Most cities are far from meeting the triple objective of being economically productive, socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable. Urbanisation puts huge strains on the resources around cities that are essential for humanity’s survival.
Sessions in this track challenge conventional thinking around what more higher education can do with the support of governments, businesses and society to achieve sustainability.
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We are delighted to be taking the event to Saudi Arabia, a vital strategic force in the delivery of the goals. It is particularly exciting that we’ll be hosting the event on KAUST’s campus on the Red Sea where we will be able to see for ourselves the outstanding research being done there on protecting our oceans and supporting arid land farming. – Phil Baty, chief global affairs officer, THE |
Watch the video highlights from the GSD Congress 2022 in Glasgow, UK
Watch our welcome video featuring Dr Tony Chan, president of KAUST
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Come and join this meaningful gathering to solve a global problem. Hopefully you will be inspired and will get to know people so you can start new collaborations that last beyond the congress. – Dr Tony Chan, president, KAUST |
What to expect
1,500
delegates
200
speakers
100
hours of content
Keynotes and panels
Sessions detailing innovations across inequality, health and education, climate change, food security and sustainable economic growth.
Global exhibition
An interactive showcase of the latest innovations, tools and practical approaches to meeting the SDGs.
Fringe events, roundtables and masterclasses
A comprehensive range of unique networking events bringing together innovators from key sectors to discuss and workshop solutions.
Pre-congress day
On 29 May, take advantage of focused workshops, roundtables, debates and masterclasses to hear from those on the front line of tackling SDG challenges around the world and discover what measures are working.
Register to attend
The event will be in English with simultaneous translation into Arabic for those who require it.
Super early bird pricing is available until 23 February, as well as a special 20% discount for groups of 3+ delegates.
Unable to attend in-person? Explore our virtual ticket options.
Partners
Social
Times Higher Education
26 Red Lion Square
London, WC1R 4HQ
